77al-MursalātThose on a Missionسُورَةُ المرسلات

By the [natural and social] forces on a [divinely timed] mission — uninterrupted!

Followed by the whirlwind [action of natural and social forces] in their tumult!

By the [many] manifestations they manifest [to the observing eye]!

Followed [or accompanied] by the distinct detachment [that occurs in the progress of natural and social forces]!

Followed by the presentiment of [God] consciousness,

[Which becomes in the heart of a social being] either a sense of request for forgiveness or a word of warning!

Behold, whatever you are told [by Allah] will definitely take place.

From now [until that resurrection takes place, what will you say] when the stars are extinguished,

And when the sky fragments,

And when the mountains implode,

And when the prophets’ foretelling [of the Day of Resurrection] becomes manifest…

For what particular day was [such timing and history] set?

For the Day of setting apart [the good from the bad]!

And what would you know about the Day of separating [the good from the bad]?

Woe on that Day to those who contradicted [God]!

Have We not brought to ruin [the modernity and civilization of] ancient nations?

And so shall We have others [like them] follow them [into ruin]:

[For] it is in such a manner that We deal with criminals.

Woe on that Day to those who refuted [Our power and authority]!

Have We not created you out of a humble fluid

That we developed within a firm setting [of the womb],

For a term [of pregnancy] well known?

Thus have We calculated [the stages of human development]: and how excellent are We who do such calculations.

Woe on that Day to those who refuted [Allah’s power and authority]!

Have We not caused the earth to hold and contain [what is on it]:

Be they living [beings] or non-living things?

And have We not evolved in it [the earth] towering anchors [its mountains] and given you fresh water to drink?

Woe on that Day to those who refuted [Allah’s power and authority]!

Advance [you God-deniers] toward that which you refuted [resurrection]!

Advance toward the shadow of three spheres

That will offer no shade and will be of no avail against the flame,

Which — behold! — will throw up sparks as [big as] towers,

[Seeming] like giant fiery ropes!

Woe on that Day to those who refuted [Allah’s power and authority]!

This [all will happen] on a Day when they will not be able to vocalize [a worthy word],

Nor will they be allowed to offer apologies!

Woe on that Day to those who refuted [Allah’s power and authority]!

This is the Day of Separation [between good and evil when they will hear it said], “We have brought you all together along with the [ancient God-denying] precursors;

“And if you [the deniers of God] have any conspiracy [left in your scheming], then use it against Me!”

Woe on that Day to those who refuted [Allah’s power and authority]!

[On the other hand], behold, those who had been on their guard [concerning Allah’s power and authority] are [now] dwelling in the midst of [cooling] shades and springs [of water],

And [amid] whatever fruits they may desire;

[And they will be told], “Relish what you eat and drink in return for all that you did [when you were in your worldly life]!”

Indeed, such is how We repay those who seek excellence [in the good that they do];

[But] woe on that Day to those who refuted [Our power and authority]!

Eat [to indulge your appetite] and briefly enjoy yourselves [while you live your materialistic lives], O you who are, beyond doubt, criminals!

Woe on that Day to those who contested [Our power and authority],

For when they are told, “Bow down [before Allah],” they do not bow down:

Woe on that Day to those who tried to dispute [Our power and authority]!

To what other conversation, then, will they, after this [Qur’an], consign themselves?1